A new modern ferry is to come into service for Arranmore island next year, it has been revealed.
The Arranmore Ferry company will be adding a new custom-designed vessel to their fleet for the scenic crossings from Burtonport.
Major investment has gone into the hybrid-powered ferry designed by Marine Design International Ltd (MDI) in Glasgow. The keel will be laid late at a yard on the Isle of Bute in August 2022 for an ambitious launch in summer or autumn 2023.
Arranmore Ferry managing director and skipper Seamus Boyle is spearheading the development of the new passenger and vehicle ferry with MDI.
In a blog post on thearranmoreferry.com, Architect Simon Cormack said the ferry will be an asset to the area and another step in developing tourism, business and lifeline services.
The Arranmore Ferry fleet currently has two vessels – the “Morvern” and “Canna” are Scottish Island Class ferries built in the 1970s. The Morvern was rebuilt in 2010, lengthened in 2013 and certified to latest EU Class B certification at the time. The new vessel will develop on this knowledge to provide a vessel with greater safety, efficiency and capability in line with the SI640 of 2020 Irish Domestic Passenger Ship Standards.
Mr Cormack said: “The vessel itself is arranged, and has concept design, for hybrid electric propulsion, deemed to be feasible in reducing emissions further when funds allow, MDI have previous built fully electric vessels and while the technology is proven it does not yet offer a financial break even so can only be implemented when suitable capital is available.
“The underwater hull is stretched as far as feasible under the applicable regulations to create the lowest resistance and structural design is optimised for weight efficiency while appreciating some of the rough conditions in which the vessel has to operate, both will reduce through life running costs and emissions.”
Photo: Marine Design International
Mr Cormack acknowledged the team at Arranmore for their work on the development and said: “Investing in new vessels is a big step for any owner but as well as offering a modern and comfortable experience for users it reduces maintenance and running costs so helps grow the business and industry in the long term.”
The project is being made possible with the expertise of Scottish shipbuilder Ewen Ferguson at Bute Boatbuilding Co., Marine Finance Consultant Art Kavanagh, and with BV and MSO providing assistance on the certification options.
